Orthodox Union Careers

Who We Are: 

NCSY, a program of the Orthodox Union, connects with Jewish teens through innovative, cutting-edge social and recreational programs to develop a positive Jewish identity. NCSY inspires Jewish teens through informal Jewish education, retreats , and summer programs. NCSY empowers teens through leadership development and guidance to become passionately committed leaders of the Jewish community and instruments for positive change and renewal.

A JSU Club is a school-based Jewish student group run by NCSY’s Jewish Student Union (JSU), providing Jewish teens in public and non-Jewish private high schools with meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and build community. Through engaging discussions, social activities, leadership development, and Jewish experiences, JSU clubs foster identity, belonging, and pride in a warm and inclusive environment 

The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol, Ⓤ, is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.

Position Summary:

The Assistant JSU Director is responsible for launching, growing, and deepening Jewish Student Union (JSU) programming across public and secular high schools. Through vibrant Jewish experiences, authentic mentorship, and strategic outreach, the Assistant JSU Director empowers Jewish teens to explore their identity, grow as leaders, and strengthen their connection to Jewish life.

This is a unique role that blends educational leadership and relational strategy. The ideal candidate is a dynamic Jewish educator, deeply passionate about teens, and energized by the challenge of building something lasting. JSU clubs serve as an entryway to Jewish identity and the JSU Assistant Director helps students engage with their heritage with confidence and curiosity. In this role, the JSU Assistant Director is expected to serve as a Jewish role model and lifelong learner, inspiring students through both personal example and meaningful content. They are also responsible for ensuring a safe, welcoming, and mission-aligned program environment, in accordance with OU/NCSY policies and values.

This is a full-time position. Some nights and weekends required. The candidate must live in New York City.

Responsibilities:

JSU Clubs & School Engagement

• Launch, maintain, and lead 4 weekly JSU Clubs in Manhattan schools, ensuring at least 20 club sessions per year
• Create dynamic, relevant Jewish content for clubs that sparks curiosity and discussion
• Cultivate relationships with school administrators and faculty to support JSU’s presence and growth
• Partner with JSU Global Campus and the Regional team to identify new schools for expansion

Student Engagement & Events:

• Host 2 weekly evening events for Manhattan teens focused on engagement, Jewish learning, and personal connection
• Run 1 monthly fun/social events to build community among club participants
• Organize 1 monthly local Shabbat experiences to deepen Jewish connection outside the school setting
• Actively mentor most engaged students, fostering individual religious and leadership growth

Long-Term Impact & Recruitment:

• Recruit Manhattan area students for immersive Jewish experiences such as Shabbatons, NCSY Summer programs, especially TJJ, and gap year
• Guide students in post-high school Jewish life, including Jewish campus engagement and gap-year Israel programs

Community, Fundraising & PR:

• Build strong relationships with parents and alumni through consistent, personal communication
• Support fundraising and “friendraising” initiatives that sustain and grow the impact of JSU
• Promote JSU through local PR, social media, and outreach to increase visibility and community connection

Shabbatons & Regional Programs:

• Recruit for and participate in local and regional Shabbatons and conventions
• Collaborate with the Regional NCSY team to deliver meaningful, high-quality experiences for teens

Qualifications:

• We’re looking for someone with:
• Experience in teen programming and/or Jewish education (formal or informal)
• A track record of being charismatic, organized, and flexible
• Ability to build trust and connect with both teens and adults
• A solid foundation in Jewish knowledge, including Halacha, Jewish thought, and tradition
• The ability to confidently lead discussions and role model personal growth

Professional Expectations:

• Serve as a role model, reflecting Jewish values and lifelong learning in your own growth
• Attend and contribute to local and national staff trainings and meetings (weekly, monthly, and annually meetings vary by region)
• Maintain a positive, solution-oriented attitude and work collaboratively with peers and supervisors
• Uphold all OU/NCSY policies to ensure a safe, welcoming, and professional environment
• Manage your programming and club budgets responsibly
• Maintain accurate student data and engagement logs in NCSY’s systems

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience.

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance:
The OU offers health insurance through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). Instead of a single group plan, employees have the freedom to choose their own health insurance plan that fits their personal and family needs. The OU contributes a generous monthly amount directly toward your premium, making coverage more flexible, affordable, and tailored to you.

Employees enrolled in our health plan also receive an annual BeniComp stipend, a supplemental benefit that reimburses eligible medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision expenses.

In addition, the OU offers employees group dental and vision insurance through MetLife.

Additional Benefits and Perks: 

• 10 paid sick days
• 10-15 paid vacation days
• Paid Jewish and Federal holidays
• Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath observance
• Free life and disability insurance
• Discounted continuing education opportunities
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after 3 years (requires a minimum 2% employee contribution)